The Ways of Charity in Islam

Charity is an important concept in Islam and there are different ways of charity in Islam if you want to donate to the needy and deserving. It is a religious obligation for Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need, as a way of purifying their wealth and demonstrating their commitment to helping others.

Charity in Islam is seen as a way to purify one’s wealth and earn blessings from God. It is also believed to help balance the distribution of wealth and reduce poverty in society. In addition, giving charity is seen as a way to promote justice and equity, and to show compassion and care for others. It is especially emphasized during the holy month of Ramadan. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to give charity to those who are less fortunate, including orphans, widows, and the poor.

To give donations in Islam means to acknowledge that everything we possess in this world is merely ephemeral and was never rightfully ours, to begin with. Everything is for Allah (SWT) and by Allah (SWT). Acts of generosity will aid in elevating everybody who surrounds us to a higher level. Muslims must strive to be like the Prophet (PBUH), and they must never overlook the significance of charity giving in Islam.

Hadith About Giving Charity in Islam

The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

“One of the seven groups of people that will be granted shade on the Day of Judgment includes the one who gives charity but hides it, so that even his left-hand does not know what his right hand has spent.”

Types of  Charity in Islam

Sadaqah

A charity that is provided knowingly and willingly with the intention of pleasing Allah is referred to as Sadaqah. A volunteer act of charity performed towards others, whether out of benevolence, love, kindness, or faith, is another definition of the term “Sadaqah.” These deeds do not have to be either material or monetary. Acts of Sadaqah can be as small and inconspicuous as a smiling face or a bit of help extended to someone in need. Everybody can give Sadaqah; there is no minimum or maximum quantity. 

Some of the associates of the Prophet (PBUH) were exceptionally charitable in their donating of Sadaqah. They frequently gave away substantial parts of their income, keeping just enough to fulfill their needs. The best way to maintain a good balance for us is to allocate our wealth to the things we require, savings, and Sadaqah. Before you give charity in Islam, it is very important to figure out this balance. 

The practice of Sadaqah protects a person from catastrophe and brings about an increment in the provision and good fortune in their lives. In Quran, Allah poses the question:

“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so that He may increase it for him many times over?” “And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned” (Qur’an, 2: 245).

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Benefits of Sadaqah

1. Sadaqah is believed to bring blessings and increase wealth.
2. Giving Sadaqah is a way to purify one’s soul and erase sins. 
3. Sadaqah protects one from adversity and protects one’s wealth. 
4. Giving Sadaqah to others can help strengthen relationships, as it brings people together in a shared act of generosity and kindness.
5. Giving Sadaqah helps individuals to be more humble, as it teaches them to be grateful for what they have and to share their wealth with others.
6. Studies have shown that giving to charity can have positive effects on mental and physical health.
7. Giving Sadaqah brings joy and happiness to the giver, as it is an act of kindness and generosity. 

Zakat

Zakat is an obligatory almsgiving that Allah commanded in the Qur’an. When you give donations in Islam, Zakat is the first name that will pop up on the list of those charities. The term “nisab” refers to the minimal level of wealth in the form of money or assets that a Muslim must possess to be subject to the Zakat obligation. They must give away 2.5% of their total assets to help those who need it.  

Zakat is obligatory for every Muslim who is eligible. Only grown, sensible men and women who meet the Nisab criteria are bound for Zakat. Then, 2.5% of their fortune must be donated. There are eight different groups stated in the Qur’an who are eligible for zakat. Zakat is one of the five pillars that implies its importance in Islam. You can use our crowdfunding platform to donate zakat online and help the needy. If you don’t know how much you have to pay or are unaware of how to calculate how much you owe, you can use our Zakat calculator to know how much you have to pay. 

 The Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah

The majority of Muslims are required to make Zakat payments, but Sadaqah donations are completely optional and voluntary. It is not an act of charity, and it does not have to be according to one’s wealth. Rather, giving donations in the form of Sadaqah can be as simple as sharing one’s better knowledge or smiling at a stranger who walks by. It could be something as simple as assisting another person physically or as significant as guiding a person away from potential danger. 

Sadaqah and Zakat can be given at any time. The Prophet (PBUH) would give donations throughout the year, but in the month of Ramadan, He (PBUH) would increase the amount that he gave. Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most charitable of people, and he was the most generous during Ramadan,” (Hadith, Bukhari).  

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Fidyah

Fidya is a type of donation that Muslims are obligated to pay for missing fasts due to valid reasons. Fidya becomes applicable when a person misses a fast because of a valid issue such as a prolonged illness or old age, and cannot make up for the missed fasts later. Transparent Hands helps the most deserving people with your Fidya to maximize the impact of your donation during Ramadan.

Fitrana

The end of the most blessed, the most sacred month of Ramadan means the start of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is a celebration and reward for an entire month of patience and abstinence for Muslims. For the disadvantaged and the underprivileged to be involved in this joyous occasion, wealthy Muslims pay a certain amount in the form of money or food, known as Fitrana.

Kaffara

Kaffara means expiation. It is a re-compensation opportunity for Muslims who deliberately miss/break a fast during the holy month of Ramadan, without a legitimate reason. The Hanafi school of thought says that if a Muslim misses a day of fasting unnecessarily, the re-compensation is either fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people.

FAQs

Can we give charity to non-Muslims?

Yes. People may freely give charity and assistance at any moment, in any way, to any individual, feed animals or birds, or entities of any type following the understanding of Sadaqah. 

Can I give to charity by just smiling? 

“Your smile for your brother is charity,” the Prophet (SAW) stated. We have the opportunity to get so much closer to Heaven by just using those smiling muscles. 

Can non-monetary contributions be considered charitable acts?

Although some Muslims may not be able to give donations in Islam, we have all been given the gift of time. An excellent approach to supporting charities is by giving your time. Giving a few moments of our time to a local mosque, to a homeless community, or conducting a food drive. It doesn’t just ensure help for others and promote compassion, but it also strengthens our faith in Allah.

Charity Brings Us One Closer to Allah (SWT)! 

Being charitable is evidence of one’s faith because those who are close to Allah always pursue their affection via charitable giving. ” Sadaqah is proof”, according to Allah’s prophet (PBUH). It signifies the evidence or confirmation of the sincere faith the sender holds, according to Al Nawawee. Sadaqah is therefore known as such since it serves as evidence of the veracity of his religion. Donate Now